Compounds and compositions for delivering active agents

ABSTRACT

Compounds and compositions for the delivery of active agents are provided. Methods of administration and preparation are provided as well.

This is a U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US01/25704 filed Aug. 16, 2001, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/226,389, filed Aug. 18, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The International Application was published in English on Feb. 28, 2002 as WO 02/15959 A2 under PCT Article 21(2).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds for delivering active agents, such as biologically or chemically active agents, to a target. These compounds are well suited for forming non-covalent mixtures with active agents for oral, intracolonic, pulmonary, and other routes of administration to animals. Methods for the preparation and administration of such compositions are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional means for delivering active agents are often severely limited by biological, chemical, and physical barriers. Typically, these barriers are imposed by the environment through which delivery occurs, the environment of the target for delivery, and/or the target itself. Biologically and chemically active agents are particularly vulnerable to such barriers.

In the delivery to animals of biologically active and chemically active pharmacological and therapeutic agents, barriers are imposed by the body. Examples of physical barriers are the skin, lipid bi-layers and various organ membranes that are relatively impermeable to certain active agents but must be traversed before reaching a target, such as the circulatory system. Chemical barriers include, but are not limited to, pH variations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and degrading enzymes.

These barriers are of particular significance in the design of oral delivery systems. Oral delivery of many biologically or chemically active agents would be the route of choice for administration to animals if not for biological, chemical, and physical barriers. Among the numerous agents which are not typically amenable to oral administration are biologically or chemically active peptides, such as calcitonin and insulin; polysaccharides, and in particular mucopolysaccharides including, but not limited to, heparin; heparinoids; antibiotics; and other organic substances. These agents may be rapidly rendered ineffective or destroyed in the gastro-intestinal tract by acid hydrolysis, enzymes, and the like. In addition, the size and structure of macromolecular drugs may prohibit absorption.

Earlier methods for orally administering vulnerable pharmacological agents have relied on the co-administration of adjuvants (e.g., resorcinols and non-ionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether and n-hexadecylpolyethylene ether) to increase artificially the permeability of the intestinal walls, as well as the co-administration of enzymatic inhibitors (e.g., pancreatic trypsin inhibitors, diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFF) and trasylol) to inhibit enzymatic degradation. Liposomes have also been described as drug delivery systems for insulin and heparin. However, broad spectrum use of such drug delivery systems is precluded because: (1) the systems require toxic amounts of adjuvants or inhibitors; (2) suitable low molecular weight cargos, i.e. active agents, are not available; (3) the systems exhibit poor stability and inadequate shelf life; (4) the systems are difficult to manufacture; (5) the systems fail to protect the active agent (cargo); (6) the systems adversely alter the active agent; or (7) the systems fail to allow or promote absorption of the active agent.

Proteinoid microspheres have been used to deliver pharmaceuticals. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,516; 5,443,841; and U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,862. In addition, certain modified amino acids have been used to deliver pharmaceuticals. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,629,020; 5,643,957; 5,766,633; 5,776,888; and 5,866,536.

More recently, a polymer has been conjugated to a modified amino acid or a derivative thereof via a linkage group to provide for polymeric delivery agents. The modified polymer may be any polymer, but preferred polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and derivatives thereof. See, for example, International Publication No. WO 00/40203.

However, there is still a need for simple, inexpensive delivery systems which are easily prepared and which can deliver a broad range of active agents by various routes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds and compositions which facilitate the delivery of active agents. Delivery agent compounds of the present invention include those having the following formula:

and salts thereof and mixtures thereof, wherein

-   -   R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are independently H, —OH, halogen, C₁-C₄         alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or aryl;     -   R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are optionally substituted with halogen, —OH,         C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or C₁-C₄ alkyl; and     -   R⁵ is a C₂-C₁₆ branched alkylene, optionally substituted with         halogen.

In one preferred embodiment, R⁵ is

where

-   -   m and n are integers and the sum of m and n is 0 to 11;     -   R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and R¹¹ are independently H, C₁-C₄ alkyl,         or C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted, partially or completely, with         halogen; and     -   at least one of R⁷ and R¹⁰ is not H.

In another preferred embodiment, R¹-R⁴ are independently H, halogen, or C₁-C₄ alkyl. More preferably, R¹-R⁴ are independently H, Cl, or —CH₃.

In another preferred embodiment, the sum of m and n ranges from 1 to 6.

In yet another preferred embodiment, R⁶, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are hydrogen and R⁷ is —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, or —CH₂CH₂CH₃. More preferably, R⁷ is —CH₃. In yet another preferred embodiment, the compound comprises the following or salts thereof or mixtures thereof:

The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one of the delivery agent compounds of the formulas above, and at least one active agent. These compositions deliver active agents to selected biological systems in increased or improved bioavailability of the active agent compared to administration of the active agent without the delivery agent compound.

Also provided are dosage unit forms comprising the compositions. The dosage unit may be in the form of a liquid or a solid, such as a tablet, capsule or particle, including a powder or sachet.

Another embodiment is a method for administering an active agent to an animal in need of the active agent, by administering a composition comprising at one of the delivery agent compounds of the formulae above and the active agent to the animal. Preferred routes of administration include the oral, intracolonic and pulmonary routes.

Yet another embodiment is a method of treating a disease or for achieving a desired physiological effect in an animal by administering the composition of the present invention.

Yet another embodiment is a method of preparing a composition of the present invention by mixing at least one delivery agent compound of the formulae above, and at least one active agent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Delivery Agent Compounds

The terms “alkyl” and “alkenyl” as used herein include linear and branched alkyl and alkenyl substituents, respectively.

The delivery agent compounds of the present invention include their stereoisomers and enantiomers.

The delivery agent compounds may be in the form of the carboxylic acid or salts thereof. Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic salts, for example alkali-metal salts, such as sodium, potassium and lithium; alkaline-earth metal salts, such as magnesium, calcium or barium; ammonium salts; basic amino acids, such as lysine or arginine; and organic amines, such as dimethylamine or pyridine. Preferably, the salts are sodium salts. The salts may be mono- or multi-valent salts, such as monosodium salts and di-sodium salts. The salts may also be solvates, including ethanol solvates, and hydrates.

The delivery agent compounds can be prepared as follows. A suspension of an appropriate amine (1 equivalent), an appropriate carboxylic acid (1.03 equivalent), boric acid (0.05 equivalent), and 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (0.05 equivalent) in dried toluene (concentration: 0.5 mole/L) is heated at reflux (110° C.) under nitrogen for 4 hours during which water produced in the reaction is removed by azeotropic distillation in a Dean-Stark separation unit. Thin layer chromatography on silica gel (eluant: EtOAc/heptane: 1/1) indicates the completion of the reaction. The reaction is cooled to room temperature and the product isolated according to the standard laboratory procedures.

Salts of the delivery agent compounds of the present invention may be prepared by methods known in the art. For example, sodium salts may be prepared by dissolving the delivery agent compound in ethanol and adding aqueous sodium hydroxide.

In addition, poly amino acids and peptides comprising one or more of these compounds may be used.

An amino acid is any carboxylic acid having at least one free amine group and includes naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids. Poly amino acids are either peptides (which are two or more amino acids joined by a peptide bond) or are two or more amino acids linked by a bond formed by other groups which can be linked by, e.g., an ester or an anhydride linkage. Peptides can vary in length from dipeptides with two amino acids to polypeptides with several hundred amino acids. One or more of the amino acids or peptide units may be acylated or sulfonated.

The delivery agent compound may be purified by recrystallization or by fractionation on one or more solid chromatographic supports, alone or linked in tandem. Suitable recrystallization solvent systems include, but are not limited to, ethanol, water, heptane, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, methanol, and tetrahydrofuran and mixtures thereof. Fractionation may be performed on a suitable chromatographic support such as alumina, using methanol/n-propanol mixtures as the mobile phase; reverse phase chromatography using trifluoroacetic acid/acetonitrile mixtures as the mobile phase; and ion exchange chromatography using water or an appropriate buffer as the mobile phase. When anion exchange chromatography is performed, preferably a 0-500 mM sodium chloride gradient is employed.

The delivery agent may contain a polymer conjugated to it by a linkage group selected from the group consisting of —NHC(O)NH—, —C(O)NH—, —NHC(O), —OOC—, —COO—, —NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NH—, —CH₂NH —NHCH₂—, —CH₂NHC(O)O—, —OC(O)NHCH₂—, —CH₂NHCOCH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NHCH₂—, —NHC(O)CH₂O—, —OCH₂C(O)NH—, —NH—, —O—, and carbon-carbon bond, with the proviso that the polymeric delivery agent is not a polypeptide or polyamino acid. The polymer may be any polymer including, but not limited to, alternating copolymers, block copolymers and random copolymers, which are safe for use in mammals. Preferred polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene; polyacrylates; polymethacrylates; poly(oxyethylene); poly(propylene); polypropylene glycol; polyethylene glycol (PEG); and derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. The molecular weight of the polymer typically ranges from about 100 to about 200,000 daltons. The molecular weight of the polymer preferably ranges from about 200 to about 10,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polymer ranges from about 200 to about 600 daltons and more preferably ranges from about 300 to about 550 daltons.

Active Agents

Active agents suitable for use in the present invention include biologically active agents and chemically active agents, including, but not limited to, pesticides, pharmacological agents, and therapeutic agents. Suitable active agents include those that are rendered less effective, ineffective or are destroyed in the gastro-intestinal tract by acid hydrolysis, enzymes and the like. Also included as suitable active agents are those macromolecular agents whose physiochemical characteristics, such as, size, structure or charge, prohibit or impede absorption when dosed orally.

For example, biologically or chemically active agents suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, proteins; polypeptides; peptides; hormones; polysaccharides, and particularly mixtures of muco-polysaccharides; carbohydrates; lipids; small polar organic molecules (i.e. polar organic molecules having a molecular weight of 500 daltons or less); other organic compounds; and particularly compounds which by themselves do not pass (or which pass only a fraction of the administered dose) through the gastro-intestinal mucosa and/or are susceptible to chemical cleavage by acids and enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract; or any combination thereof.

Further examples include, but are not limited to, the following, including synthetic, natural or recombinant sources thereof: growth hormones, including human growth hormones (hGH), recombinant human growth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, and porcine growth hormones; growth hormone releasing hormones; growth hormone releasing factor, interferons, including α, β and γ; interleukin-1; interleukin-2; insulin, including porcine, bovine, human, and human recombinant, optionally having counter ions including zinc, sodium, calcium and ammonium; insulin-like growth factor, including IGF-1; heparin, including unfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, low molecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin and ultra low molecular weight heparin; calcitonin, including salmon, eel, porcine and human; erythropoietin; atrial naturetic factor; antigens; monoclonal antibodies; somatostatin; protease inhibitors; adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone; oxytocin; leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone; follicle stimulating hormone; glucocerebrosidase; thrombopoietin; filgrastim; prostaglandins; cyclosporin; vasopressin; cromolyn sodium (sodium or disodium chromoglycate); vancomycin; desferrioxamine (DFO); bisphosphonates, including alendronate, tiludronate, etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate, olpadronate, and incadronate; parathyroid hormone (PTH), including its fragments; antimicrobials, including antibiotics, anti-bacterials and anti-fungal agents; vitamins; analogs, fragments, mimetics or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified derivatives of these compounds; or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of antibiotics include gram-positive acting, bacteriocidal, lipopeptidal and cyclic peptidal antibiotics, such as daptomycin and analogs thereof.

Delivery Systems

The composition of the present invention comprises one or more delivery agent compounds of the present invention, and one or more active agents. In one embodiment, one or more of the delivery agent compounds, or salts of these compounds, or poly amino acids or peptides of which these compounds or salts form one or more of the units thereof, may be used as a delivery agent by mixing with the active agent prior to administration to form an administration composition.

The administration compositions may be in the form of a liquid. The solution medium may be water (for example, for salmon calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, and erythropoietin), 25% aqueous propylene glycol (for example, for heparin) and phosphate buffer (for example, for rhGH). Other dosing vehicles include polyethylene glycol. Dosing solutions may be prepared by mixing a solution of the delivery agent compound with a solution of the active agent, just prior to administration. Alternately, a solution of the delivery agent compound (or active agent) may be mixed with the solid form of the active agent (or delivery agent compound). The delivery agent compound and the active agent may also be mixed as dry powders. The delivery agent compound and the active agent can also be admixed during the manufacturing process.

The dosing solutions may optionally contain additives such as phosphate buffer salts, citric acid, glycols, or other dispersing agents. Stabilizing additives may be incorporated into the solution, preferably at a concentration ranging between about 0.1 and 20% (w/v).

The administration compositions may alternately be in the form of a solid, such as a tablet, capsule or particle, such as a powder or sachet. Solid dosage forms may be prepared by mixing the solid form of the delivery agent compound with the solid form of the active agent. Alternately, a solid may be obtained from a solution of the delivery agent compound and active agent by methods known in the art, such as freeze-drying (lyophilization), precipitation, crystallization and solid dispersion.

The administration compositions of the present invention may also include one or more enzyme inhibitors. Such enzyme inhibitors include, but are not limited to, compounds such as actinonin or epiactinonin and derivatives thereof. Other enzyme inhibitors include, but are not limited to, aprotinin (Trasylol) and Bowman-Birk inhibitor.

The amount of active agent used in an administration composition of the present invention is an amount effective to accomplish the purpose of the particular active agent for the target indication. The amount of active agent in the compositions typically is a pharmacologically, biologically, therapeutically, or chemically effective amount. However, the amount can be less than that amount when the composition is used in a dosage unit form because the dosage unit form may contain a plurality of delivery agent compound/active agent compositions or may contain a divided pharmacologically, biologically, therapeutically, or chemically effective amount. The total effective amount can then be administered in cumulative units containing, in total, an effective amount of the active agent.

The total amount of active agent to be used can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art. However, because the compositions of the invention may deliver active agents more efficiently than compositions containing the active agent alone, lower amounts of biologically or chemically active agents than those used in prior dosage unit forms or delivery systems can be administered to the subject, while still achieving the same blood levels and/or therapeutic effects.

The presently disclosed delivery agent compounds facilitate the delivery of biologically and chemically active agents, particularly in oral, intranasal, sublingual, intraduodenal, subcutaneous, buccal, intracolonic, rectal, vaginal, mucosal, pulmonary, transdermal, intradermal, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular and ocular systems, as well as traversing the blood-brain barrier.

Dosage unit forms can also include any one or combination of excipients, diluents, disintegrants, lubricants, plasticizers, colorants, flavorants, taste-masking agents, sugars, sweeteners, salts, and dosing vehicles, including, but not limited to, water, 1,2-propane diol, ethanol, olive oil, or any combination thereof.

The compounds and compositions of the subject invention are useful for administering biologically or chemically active agents to any animals, including but not limited to birds such as chickens; mammals, such as rodents, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, primates, and particularly humans; and insects.

The system is particularly advantageous for delivering chemically or biologically active agents that would otherwise be destroyed or rendered less effective by conditions encountered before the active agent reaches its target zone (i.e. the area in which the active agent of the delivery composition is to be released) and within the body of the animal to which they are administered. Particularly, the compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful in orally administering active agents, especially those that are not ordinarily orally deliverable, or those for which improved delivery is desired.

The compositions comprising the compounds and active agents have utility in the delivery of active agents to selected biological systems and in an increased or improved bioavailability of the active agent compared to administration of the active agent without the delivery agent. Delivery can be improved by delivering more active agent over a period of time, or in delivering active agent in a particular time period (such as to effect quicker or delayed delivery), or in delivering the active agent at a specific time, or over a period of time (such as sustained delivery).

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of a disease or for achieving a desired physiological effect, such as those listed in the table below, in an animal by administering the composition of the present invention. Specific indications for active agents can be found in the Physicians' Desk Reference (54^(th) Ed., 2000, Medical Economics Company, Inc., Montvale, N.J.), which is herein incorporated by reference. The active agents in the table below include their analogs, fragments, mimetics, and polyethylene glycol-modified derivatives.

Disease and Physiological Active Agent Effect Growth hormones Growth disorders Interferons, including α, β and Viral infection, including γ. chronic cancer and multiple sclerosis Interleukin-1; interleukin-2. Viral infection; cancer Insulin; Insulin-like growth Diabetes factor IGF-1. Heparin Thrombosis; prevention of blood coagulation Calcitonin. Osteoporosis; diseases of the bone Erythropoietin Anemia Atrial naturetic factor Vasodilation Antigens Infection Monoclonal antibodies To prevent graft rejection; cancer Somatostatin Bleeding ulcer; erosive gastritis Protease inhibitors AIDS Adrenocorticotropin High cholesterol (to lower cholesterol) Gonadotropin releasing hormone Ovulatory disfunction (to stimulate ovulation) Oxytocin Labor disfunction (to stimulate contractions) Leutinizing-hormone-releasing- Regulate reproductive function hormone; follicle stimulating hormone Glucocerebrosidase Gaucher disease (to metabolize lipoprotein) Thrombopoietin Thrombocytopenia Filgrastim Reduce infection in chemotherapy patients Prostaglandins Hypertension Cyclosporin Transplant rejection Vasopressin Bed-wetting; antidiuretic Cromolyn sodium; Vancomycin Asthma; allergies Desferrioxamine (DFO) Iron overload Parathyroid hormone (PTH), Osteoporosis; including its fragments. Diseases of the bone Antimicrobials Infection including gram- positive bacterial infection Vitamins Vitamin deficiencies Bisphosphonates Osteoporosis; Paget's disease; Inhibits osteoclasts

For example, one embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating a patient suffering from or susceptible to diabetes by administering insulin and at least one of the delivery agent compounds of the present invention.

Following administration, the active agent present in the composition or dosage unit form is taken up into circulation. The bioavailability of the active agent can be readily assessed by measuring a known pharmacological activity in blood, e.g. an increase in blood clotting time caused by heparin, or a decrease in circulating calcium levels caused by calcitonin. Alternately, the circulating levels of the active agent itself can be measured directly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following examples illustrate the invention without limitation. All parts are given by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) analyses for the compounds listed below were conducted on a 300 MHz Bruker spectrometer using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO-d₆) as the solvent unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1 Compound Preparation

Preparation of Compound 1

Preparation of Compound 1 (3R-5-[(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)amino]-3-methyl-5-oxopentanoic acid)

A suspension of 6-amino-2,4-dichloro-3-methylphenol (4.81 g, 25.00 mmol), methyl R-(+)-3-methylglutarate (4.08 g, 25.50 mmol), boric acid (0.078 g, 1.25 mmol), and 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (0.135 g, 1.25 mmol) in 50 mL of dried toluene was heated at reflux (110° C.) under nitrogen for 4 hours during which water (0.50 mL) produced in the reaction was removed by azeotropic distillation in a Dean-Stark separation unit. Thin layer chromatography on silica gel (eluant: EtoAc/heptane: 1/1) revealed that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and then a 2N aqueous solution of NaOH (25 mL, 50 mmol) was added. The reaction was heated at reflux for 4 hours, and then cooled to room temperature. The cooled reaction mixture was then diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and water (50 mL). The aqueous layer was washed with two portions of ethyl acetate (100 mL). After careful separation, the aqueous layer was chilled to about 0-5° C. and acidified with a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid (17.50 mL, 50 mmol) to afford a solid which was filtered, washed with hexane, and dried under vacuum. Trituration with dichloromethane afforded the desired acid (6.40 g, 80%) as an off-white solid. HPLC (Column: Higgins Kromasil 100 C18, water/acetonitile/acetic acid: 950/50/1, 3 mL/min, 220 nm) Retention time (R_(t)) 5.27 min. Melting point=171-173° C. ¹H NMR (DMSO d₆, 300 MHz) δ: 0.95 (d, 3H), 2.13 (m, 1H), 2.31-2.50 (m, 7H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 9.65 (s, 1H). Anal. Calculated for C₁₃H₁₅Cl₂NO₄: C, 48.77; H, 4.72; Cl, 22.15; N, 4.37; Found: C, 48.97; H, 4.64; Cl, 21.85; N, 4.31.

Preparation of Compound 2. (3R)-5-[(2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl) amino]-3-methyl-5-oxo-pentanoic acid

A suspension of 2-amino-5-methylphenol (4.11 g, 33.34 mmol), methyl R-(+)-3-methylglutarate (5.359, 33.34 mmol), boric acid (0.102 g, 1.65 mmol), and 2-amino-5-methylpyridine (0.178 g, 1.65 mmol) in 70 mL of dried toluene was heated at reflux (110° C.) under nitrogen for 4 hour during which water (0.66 mL) produced in the reaction was removed by azeotropic distillation in a Dean-Stark separation unit. Thin layer chromatography on silica gel (eluant: EtOAc/heptane: 1/1) revealed that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was cooled to about 40° C. and a 2N aqueous solution of NaOH (34 mL, 68 mmol) was added. The reaction was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, and diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and water (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was washed with two portions of ethyl acetate (100 mL). After careful separation, the aqueous layer was chilled to 5° C., and acidified with a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid (24 mL, 70 mmol) to afford a solid that was filtered, washed with hexane, and dried under vacuum. The solid was triturated with 100 ml of a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate (90/10: v/v). The solid was filtered and dried in vacuo, affording the desired product (6.29 g, 75%) as an off-white solid. HPLC (Column: Higgins Kromasil 100 C18, water/acetonitrile/acetic acid: 950/50/1, 3 mL/min, 220 nm Retention time (R_(t)) 3.73 min. Melting point 117-118° C. ¹H NMR(DMSO d₆, 300 MHz) δ: 0.95 (d, 3H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 2.11-2.40 (m, 7H), 6.58 (d, 1H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 7.47(d, 2H). Anal. Calculated for C₁₃H₁₇NO₄: C, 62.14; H, 6.82; N, 5.57. Found: C, 62.01; H, 6.75; N, 5.49.

EXAMPLE 2

Salmon Calcitonin (sCT) Oral Delivery

Oral dosing (PO) compositions of a delivery agent compound and salmon calcitonin (sCT) in water were prepared. Typically 450 mg of delivery agent compound was added to 2.0 mL of water. Either the sodium salt of the delivery agent compound was used or the free acid was converted to the sodium salt by stirring the resultant solution and adding one equivalent of sodium hydroxide (1.0 N) and diluting with water. The solution was vortexed, then heated (about 37° C.) and sonicated. The pH was adjusted to about 7 (6.5 to 8.5) with NaOH or HCl. 90 μg sCT from a stock solution was added to the solution. Water was then added to bring the total volume to about 3.0 mL (varies depending on solubility of the delivery agent compound). The final delivery agent compound dose, sCT dose and volume dose amounts are listed below in Table 1.

The typical dosing and sampling protocols were as follows. Male Sprague-Dawley rate weighing between 200-250 g were fasted for 24 hours and administered ketamine (44 mg/kg) and chlorpromazine (1.5 mg/kg) 15 minutes prior to dosing. A dosing group of five rats was administered one of the dosing solutions. For oral dosing, an 11 cm Rusch 8 French catheter was adapted to a 1 mL syringe with a pipette tip. The syringe was filled with dosing solution by drawing the solution through the catheter, which was then wiped dry. The catheter was placed down the esophagus leaving 1 cm of tubing past the rat's incisors. Solution was administered by pressing the syringe plunger.

Blood samples were collected serially from the tail artery, typically at time=0, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Serum sCT was determined by testing with a EIA kit (Kit # EIAS-6003 from Peninsula Laboratories, Inc., San Carlos, Calif.) modifying the standard protocol from the kit as follows: incubated with 50 μl peptide antibody for 2 hours with shaking in the dark, washed the plate, added serum and biotinylated peptide and diluted with 4 mL buffer, and shook overnight in the dark. Numbers were adjusted according to baseline values obtained at time=0. The results from the five rats in each dosing group were averaged for each time point. The maximum is reported below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Oral Delivery of Salmon Calcitonin (sCT) volume Compound sCT Mean Peak dose Dose Dose Serum Sct Compound (ml/kg) (mg/kg) (μg/kg) (pg/ml ± SD) (SE) 2 1 150 30 182 ± 161 (72) Heparin Delivery Intracolonic Delivery

Intracolonic (IC) dosing solutions containing a delivery agent compound and heparin sodium USP in 25% aqueous propylene glycol were prepared. Either the sodium salt of the delivery agent compound was used or the free acid was converted to the sodium salt with one equivalent of sodium hydroxide. Typically, the delivery agent compound and heparin (about 166-182 IU/mg) were mixed by vortex as dry powders. This dry mixture was dissolved in 25% v/v aqueous propylene glycol, vortexed and placed in a sonicator (about 37° C.). The pH was adjusted to about 7 (6.5 to 8.5) with aqueous NaOH (2N). The dosing solution was sonicated to produce a clear solution. The final volume was adjusted to 3.0 mL. The final delivery agent compound dose, heparin dose and volume dose amounts are listed below in Table 2.

The typical dosing and sampling protocols were as follows. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 275-350 g were fasted for 24 hours and were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (88 mg/kg) intramuscularly immediately prior to dosing. A dosing group of five rats was administered one of the dosing solutions. For intracolonic (IC) dosing, a 7.5 cm 8 fr Rusch catheter was adapted to a 1 ml syringe with a pipette tip. The dosing catheter was inserted into the colon through the anus until the tube was no longer visible. The dosing solution was expressed slowly into the colon.

Citrated blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture following the administration of ketamine (88 mg/kg), typically at time=0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 hours. Heparin activity was determined by utilizing the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) according to the method of Henry, J. B., Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods, Philadelphia, Pa., W. B. Saunders (1979). Previous studies indicated baseline values of about 20 sec. Results from the five rats in each group were averaged for each time point. The maximum is reported below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Intracolonic Delivery of Heparin Method of volume Compound Heparin Mean Peak Admin- dose Dose Dose APTT Compound istration (ml/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (sec) ± SD 1 IC 1 50 25 205.8 ± 32.4 (14.5) Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) Delivery

Intracolonic Delivery

Intracolonic (IC) compositions containing a delivery agent compound and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were prepared in 25% aqueous propylene glycol. Either the sodium salt of the delivery agent compound was used or the free acid was converted to the sodium salt with one equivalent of sodium hydroxide. Typically, the delivery agent compound and LMWH (Parnaparin, 91 IU/mg average molecular weight about 5,000, available from Opocrin, Modena, Italy) (typically 90-105 IU/mg, average molecular weight about 5,000) were mixed by vortex as dry powders. This dry mixture was dissolved in 25% v/v aqueous propylene glycol, vortexed, and placed in a sonicator (37° C.) to produce a clear solution. The pH was adjusted to about 7 (6.5-8.5) with 2N aqueous NaOH. The dosing solution was sonicated to produce a clear solution. The final volume was adjusted to 3.0 ml. The final delivery agent compound dose, LMWH dose, and dose volume amounts are listed below in Table 3.

The typical dosing and sampling protocols were as follows. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 275-350 g were fasted for 24 hours and were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride (88 mg/kg) intramuscularly immediately prior to dosing and again as needed to maintain anesthesia. A dosing group of five animals was administered one of the dosing solutions. For intracolonic (IC) dosing, a 7.5 cm, 8 fr Rusch catheter was adapted to a 1 ml syringe with a pipette tip. The dosing catheter was inserted into the colon through the anus until the tube was no longer visible. The dosing solution was expressed slowly into the colon by pressing the syringe plunger.

Citrated blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture following the administration of ketamine (88 mg/kg), typically at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 hours after dosing. LMWH absorption was verified by an increase in plasma LMWH measured by the anti-Factor Xa assay CHROMOSTRATE™ Heparin anti-X_(a) assay (available from Organon Teknika Corporation, Durham, N.C.). Plasma LMWH concentrations from the animals in each group were averaged for each time point and these mean plasma LMWH concentrations were plotted against time. The peak of these mean plasma LMWH concentrations is reported below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Intracolonic Delivery of LMWH Method Com- Mean Peak Plasma of Volume pound LMWH LMWH Com- Admin- dose Dose Dose Concentration pound istration (ml/kg) (mg/kg) (IU/kg) (IU/ml) ± SD 1 IC 1 50 750 1.8 ± 0.4 (0.2) 1 IC 1 50 750 1.5 ± 0.5 (0.2) 1 IC 1 50 750 0.26 ± 0.11 (0.05) 1 IC 1 50 750 1.74 ± 0.03 (0.01) Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) Oral Delivery

Oral gavage (PO) dosing solutions of delivery agent compound and rhGH in phosphate buffer were prepared. A solution of the compound was made either with the sodium salt of the compound or by converting the free acid to its sodium salt. Typically, a solution of the compound was prepared in phosphate buffer and stirred, adding one equivalent of sodium hydroxide (1.0 N) when making sodium salt. The final dosing solutions were prepared by mixing the compound with an rhGH stock solution (15 mg rhGH/ml) and diluting to the desired volume (usually 3.0 ml). The compounds and rhGH dose amounts are listed below in Table 3.

The typical dosing and sampling protocols were as follows. Male Sprague-Dawley-rats weighing between 200-250 g were fasted for 24 hours and administered ketamine (44 mg/kg) and chlorpromazine (1.5 mg/kg) 15 minutes prior to dosing. A dosing group of five rats was administered one of the dosing solutions. For oral gavage (PO) dosing, an 11 cm Rusch 8 French catheter was adapted to a 1 mL syringe with a pipette tip. The syringe was filled with dosing solution by drawing the solution through the catheter, which was then wiped dry. The catheter was placed down the esophagus leaving 1 cm of tubing past the rat's incisors. Solution was administered by pressing the syringe plunger.

Blood samples were collected serially from the tail artery, typically at time=0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes for oral dosing. The five samples from each time period were pooled. Serum rHGH concentrations were quantified by an rHGH immunoassay test kit (Kit #K1F4015 from Genzyme Corporation Inc., Cambridge, Mass.). Previous studies indicated baseline values of about zero.

The maximum concentration for each group is reported below in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Oral Delivery of rhGH in Rats Volume Compound rhGH Peak dose Dose Dose Serum [rhGH] Compound (ml/kg) (mg/kg) (mg/kg) (ng/ml) 1 1 200 3 55.57 2 1 200 3 0

The above mentioned patents, applications, test methods, and publications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Many variations of the present invention will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the above detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the fully intended scope of the appended claims. 

1. A compound selected from the group consisting of compounds:

and salts thereof.
 2. A composition comprising: (A) a biologically active agent; and (B) at least one compound of claim
 1. 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises at least one protein, polypeptide, peptide, hormone, polysaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, or lipid.
 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of: growth hormones, human growth hormones recombinant human growth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, porcine growth hormones, growth hormone releasing hormones, growth hormone releasing factor, interferons, α-interferon, β-interferon, γ-interferon, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, insulin, porcine insulin, bovine insulin, human insulin, human recombinant insulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), IGF-1, heparin, unfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, low molecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin, ultra low molecular weight heparin, calcitonin, salmon calcitonin, eel calcitonin, human calcitonin; erythropoietin (EPO), atrial naturetic factor, antigens, monoclonal antibodies, somatostatin, protease inhibitors, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, glucocerebrosidase, thrombopoietin, filgrastim, postaglandins, cyclosporin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, sodium chromoglycate, disodium chromoglycate, vancomycin, desferrioxamine (DFO), parathyroid hormone (PTH), fragments of PTH, antimicrobials, anti-fungal agents, vitamins; analogs, fragments, mimetics and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified derivatives of these compounds; and any combination thereof.
 5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises insulin, heparin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, erythropoietin, human growth hormone, or combinations thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises recombinant human growth hormones.
 7. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises parathyroid hormone.
 8. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises insulin.
 9. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises heparin.
 10. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises calcitonin.
 11. The composition of claim 2, wherein the biologically active agent comprises interferon.
 12. A dosage unit form comprising: (A) the composition of claim 2; and (B) (a) an excipient (b) a dilutent (c) a disintegrant, (d) a lubricant, (e) a plasticizer, (f) a colorant, (g) a dosing vehicle, or (h) any combination thereof.
 13. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises at least one protein, polypeptide, peptide, hormone, polysaccharide, mucopolysaccharide, carbohydrate, or lipid.
 14. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of: growth hormones, human growth hormones (hGH), recombinant human growth hormones (rhGH), bovine growth hormones, porcine growth hormones, growth hormone releasing hormones, growth hormone releasing factor, interferons, α-interferon, β-interferon, γ-interferon, interleukin- 1, interleukin-2, insulin, porcine insulin, bovine insulin, human insulin, human recombinant insulin, insulin-like growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, heparin, unfractionated heparin, heparinoids, dermatans, chondroitins, low molecular weight heparin, very low molecular weight heparin, ultra low molecular weight heparin, calcitonin, salmon calcitonin, eel calcitonin, human calcitonin; erythropoietin, atrial naturetic factor, antigens, monoclonal antibodies, somatostatin, protease inhibitors, adrenocorticotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, oxytocin, leutinizing-hormone-releasing-hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, glucocerebrosidase, thrombopoeitin, filgrastim, postaglandins, cyclosporin, vasopressin, cromolyn sodium, sodium chromoglycate, disodium chromoglycate, vancomycin, desferrioxamine, parathyroid hormone, fragments of PTH, antimicrobials, anti-fungal agents, vitamins; analogs, fragments, mimetics and polyethylene glycol-modified derivatives of these compounds; and any combination thereof.
 15. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises insulin, heparin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, erythropoietin, human growth hormone, or combinations thereof.
 16. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises recombinant human growth hormone.
 17. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises parathyroid hormone.
 18. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises insulin.
 19. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises heparin.
 20. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises calcitonin.
 21. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the biologically active agent comprises interferon.
 22. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the dosage unit form comprises a dosing vehicle comprising a tablet, a capsule, a powder, or a liquid.
 23. The dosage unit form of claim 12, wherein the dosing vehicle is a liquid selected from the group consisting or water, 1,2-propane diol, ethanol, and any combination.
 24. A method for administering a biologically-active agent to an animal in need of the agent, the method comprising administering orally to the animal the composition of claim
 2. 25. A method for preparing a composition comprising mixing: (A) at least one biologically active agent; (B) the compound of claim 1; and (C) optionally, a dosing vehicle.
 26. A compound having the formula:

or a salt thereof, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are independently H, —OH, halogen, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₂-C₄ alkenyl, C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or aryl; R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are optionally substituted with halogen, —OH, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or alkyl; and R₅ is a C₂-C₁₆ branched alkylene, optionally substituted with halogen.
 27. A composition comprising: (A) a biologically active agent; and (B) at least one compound of claim
 26. 